Notes from the parish registers

Parish History

Compton Bassett lies between Calne and Cherhill on the southern fringe of the Vale of Dauntsey and within sight of the Downland. The outstanding feature of the St. Swithin's church lies between its nave and chancel where a fine 15th century chancel arch frames a stone rood screen of considerable elaboration and unique in this part of the country.

Directories

Education

Emigration and Migration

Employment and Business

Markets and Fairs

Miscellaneous Documents

Non Conformity and Other Places of Worship

People and Parish Notables

Coroner Bills

County coroners were introduced in England in around 1194 once established other boroughs and liberties sought the right to have their own coroner. Often in Medieval times the coroner also assumed the role of the sheriff and his duties weren't limited to holding inquests on dead bodies although almost a full time post they were unpaid for the duties apart from those that were deemed murder or manslaughter when they would receive 13s. 4d. From the 24th June 1752 a law was passed allowing the coroner to claim £1 for every inquest they attended not held in a gaol and also to claim 9d per mile travel allowance from the place of residence. Inquests held in any gaol were performed at a rate totalling no more than £1. These costs were to be paid from the county rates. In cases of homicide the coroner also received the former fee of 13s. 4d. The coroners submitted their bills at the quarter session sittings for approval. Coroners Bills 1752-1796

Elections

Family Notices

Personal Research Items

Tuck Family Research Burial Extracts - This item was donated by Ken Tuck and contains entries that may or may not relate to the Tuck family however they have been published as such. Many refer to Quaker burials found across the county

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